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Giving Voice UTM
PROJECT NEWS
Exciting News: Recruitment begins in May 2024
April 2024
We are super excited to begin recruiting participants in May 2024. Recruitment will include advertising via UTM campus and social media! Currently, we are in the process of creating our recruitment materials, which we will share along with the sign-up links in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
We are super excited to begin recruiting participants in May 2024. Recruitment will include advertising via UTM campus and social media! Currently, we are in the process of creating our recruitment materials, which we will share along with the sign-up links in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
Research Ethics Board (REB) Approval Paves the Way for Study Launch
April 2024
The Research Ethics Board (REB) approved of our study protocol, allowing us to launch the study this year!
The Research Ethics Board (REB) approved of our study protocol, allowing us to launch the study this year!
Graduate Students Secure Canada Graduate Scholarship
(CGS-M)
April 2024
Graduate students Stella Zhang and Marim Adel have been granted the Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M), a program designed to financially support the research training of high-achieving graduate students. They are thrilled to utilize this funding to support the research activities of the Giving Voice project.
Graduate students Stella Zhang and Marim Adel have been granted the Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS-M), a program designed to financially support the research training of high-achieving graduate students. They are thrilled to utilize this funding to support the research activities of the Giving Voice project.
Inlight Grant Application: Enhancing Student Engagement and Well-being
January 2024
We applied for the Inlight Grant, dedicated to supporting student mental health research. Our goal was to utilize the funding for the Giving Voice project to understand the experiences of racialized undergraduate students with mental wellness through interviews and narrative documentation. Moreover, we envisioned using the grant to offer diverse activities fostering creativity, community, mental health, and academic resources, enriching participants' experiences in the Giving Voice project. Though we didn't receive the grant, it was an invaluable learning experience for our first proposal focusing on participant enrichment. We're eager to pursue more funding opportunities in the future to support our participant enrichment activities!
We applied for the Inlight Grant, dedicated to supporting student mental health research. Our goal was to utilize the funding for the Giving Voice project to understand the experiences of racialized undergraduate students with mental wellness through interviews and narrative documentation. Moreover, we envisioned using the grant to offer diverse activities fostering creativity, community, mental health, and academic resources, enriching participants' experiences in the Giving Voice project. Though we didn't receive the grant, it was an invaluable learning experience for our first proposal focusing on participant enrichment. We're eager to pursue more funding opportunities in the future to support our participant enrichment activities!
Strengthening Support: Participating in UTM's Mental Health Support Training Program
March 2024
We participated in UTM's Respond, Recognize, and Refer (RRR) program. This program trained us in identifying key indicators of mental health concerns, initiating supportive conversations centering on mental health, and making suitable referrals to campus and community resources. We are enthusiastic about continuing to seek mental health support training to enhance our ability to support the well-being of students in the Giving Voice project!
We participated in UTM's Respond, Recognize, and Refer (RRR) program. This program trained us in identifying key indicators of mental health concerns, initiating supportive conversations centering on mental health, and making suitable referrals to campus and community resources. We are enthusiastic about continuing to seek mental health support training to enhance our ability to support the well-being of students in the Giving Voice project!
Introducing: the Giving Voice Pilot
February-March 2024
In preparation for launching the Giving Voice project, we successfully piloted a subset of questionnaires and instructions with current racialized students at UTM. Our aim was to evaluate the relevance, clarity, and overall quality of these materials for the study. The pilot included an online survey followed by optional interviews, focusing on participants' understanding and interpretation of the questionnaires and instructions. Currently, we are determining how to integrate the pilot data into the Giving Voice project. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing a student advisory board to also pilot these materials.
*Stay tuned for a summary of our pilot findings, coming soon!
In preparation for launching the Giving Voice project, we successfully piloted a subset of questionnaires and instructions with current racialized students at UTM. Our aim was to evaluate the relevance, clarity, and overall quality of these materials for the study. The pilot included an online survey followed by optional interviews, focusing on participants' understanding and interpretation of the questionnaires and instructions. Currently, we are determining how to integrate the pilot data into the Giving Voice project. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing a student advisory board to also pilot these materials.
*Stay tuned for a summary of our pilot findings, coming soon!
Chung Lab x EagleConnect Research Panel Event
June 2024
The University of Toronto (Mississauga campus) has several research opportunities available to its students, including the Work-Study program, Research Opportunities Programs (ROPs), internships, and other research-based courses. However, these opportunities are not always easy to navigate, particularly so for first-year or incoming students who are still settling into university life altogether. The demystify research opportunities for UTM students, the Chung Lab held its first event in collaboration with UTM’s EagleConnect: a research panel/webinar! Students were invited to learn more about diverse research opportunities available at UTM, and hear experiences from undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors! The recording of this event is available through the EagleConnect Quercus page.
The University of Toronto (Mississauga campus) has several research opportunities available to its students, including the Work-Study program, Research Opportunities Programs (ROPs), internships, and other research-based courses. However, these opportunities are not always easy to navigate, particularly so for first-year or incoming students who are still settling into university life altogether. The demystify research opportunities for UTM students, the Chung Lab held its first event in collaboration with UTM’s EagleConnect: a research panel/webinar! Students were invited to learn more about diverse research opportunities available at UTM, and hear experiences from undergraduate students, graduate students, and professors! The recording of this event is available through the EagleConnect Quercus page.
Highlights: The Chung Lab at SURF 2024!
August 2024
The Chung Lab research team presented three posters at UTM's 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Fair! Poster presentations included the Karakter Project (Besher and Sarra), Giving Voice (Rose, Jun, Maheel), and Benji's work with CAMH! An amazing job by our research assistants, who put so much time and effort into perfecting their posters for lay audiences.
The Chung Lab research team presented three posters at UTM's 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Fair! Poster presentations included the Karakter Project (Besher and Sarra), Giving Voice (Rose, Jun, Maheel), and Benji's work with CAMH! An amazing job by our research assistants, who put so much time and effort into perfecting their posters for lay audiences.
Fall Recruitment Has Started!
September 2024
We are thrilled to kick off our Fall recruitment for the first survey of the Fall/Winter term! Our outreach efforts include spreading the word across the UTM campus and through our social media platforms. If you're interested in joining, keep an eye out for posters, digital flyers, and announcements. We can’t wait to welcome new participants into the Giving Voice community!
We are thrilled to kick off our Fall recruitment for the first survey of the Fall/Winter term! Our outreach efforts include spreading the word across the UTM campus and through our social media platforms. If you're interested in joining, keep an eye out for posters, digital flyers, and announcements. We can’t wait to welcome new participants into the Giving Voice community!
Earth to Indigo
September 2024
We teamed up with Studio X and the UTM Indigenous Centre for a hands-on workshop where participants created beautiful cyanotype prints using local plants and flora. We also explored the cultural significance of native plants and their historical uses. This event fostered a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.
We teamed up with Studio X and the UTM Indigenous Centre for a hands-on workshop where participants created beautiful cyanotype prints using local plants and flora. We also explored the cultural significance of native plants and their historical uses. This event fostered a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.
Pumpkin Decorating
October 2024
To celebrate the Fall season, we hosted a cozy pumpkin decorating social where participants got creative with paints and other fun decorations! Alongside some seasonal treats, participants had a chance to take a break from midterm stress, learn more about the Giving Voice project, connect with the core Giving Voice team, and meet fellow participants.
To celebrate the Fall season, we hosted a cozy pumpkin decorating social where participants got creative with paints and other fun decorations! Alongside some seasonal treats, participants had a chance to take a break from midterm stress, learn more about the Giving Voice project, connect with the core Giving Voice team, and meet fellow participants.
Project Update: Wave 1
October 2024
We’re so excited to share that 120 participants have completed Wave 1 of our study! Additionally, 553 students are now eligible to begin their participation. Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far, your contributions are invaluable to the project!
We’re so excited to share that 120 participants have completed Wave 1 of our study! Additionally, 553 students are now eligible to begin their participation. Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far, your contributions are invaluable to the project!
Paint Fest
October 2024
We hosted a creative tote bag painting event where participants had the chance to paint their very own tote bag, learn more about Giving Voice, and meet the core research team. This event was a wonderful blend of self-expression, community-building, and relaxation.
We hosted a creative tote bag painting event where participants had the chance to paint their very own tote bag, learn more about Giving Voice, and meet the core research team. This event was a wonderful blend of self-expression, community-building, and relaxation.
Chung Lab x UTM Walks
November 2024
In collaboration with UTM Moves and the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre, we hosted a guided walk through campus, focusing on the diverse trees and birds that make UTM such a beautiful campus.
In collaboration with UTM Moves and the Recreation, Athletics, and Wellness Centre, we hosted a guided walk through campus, focusing on the diverse trees and birds that make UTM such a beautiful campus.
Project Update: Wave 1
November 2024
We are pleased to announce that 170 participants have now completed Wave 1. Your contributions continue to provide valuable insights into the student experience, and we are grateful for your involvement.
We are pleased to announce that 170 participants have now completed Wave 1. Your contributions continue to provide valuable insights into the student experience, and we are grateful for your involvement.
Winter Social
November 2024
To conclude the fall semester, we hosted a winter-themed social featuring festive treats, gingerbread cookie decorating, and holiday cartoons. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the core research team, connect with fellow participants and receive updates on the Giving Voice project in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
To conclude the fall semester, we hosted a winter-themed social featuring festive treats, gingerbread cookie decorating, and holiday cartoons. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the core research team, connect with fellow participants and receive updates on the Giving Voice project in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Winter Recruitment Has Started!
December 2024
We are super excited to recruit students for our first Winter survey. Recruitment will include advertising via UTM campus and social media. If you were unable to participate in the Fall survey, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
We are super excited to recruit students for our first Winter survey. Recruitment will include advertising via UTM campus and social media. If you were unable to participate in the Fall survey, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
Narrative Data Collection Has Launched!
December 2024
For Wave 2 of Giving Voice, Stella started recruiting participants for her narratives project! Her project seeks to explore the diverse university experiences of students by providing a platform for personal storytelling and reflection. By capturing unique perspectives, she hope to enrich our understanding of student life and well-being.
For Wave 2 of Giving Voice, Stella started recruiting participants for her narratives project! Her project seeks to explore the diverse university experiences of students by providing a platform for personal storytelling and reflection. By capturing unique perspectives, she hope to enrich our understanding of student life and well-being.
Exam Jam: Bookmark Making
December 2024
As part of UTM’s annual Exam Jam, we participated by hosting a bookmark and gratitude card making activity to support students during the exam season. This initiative provided students with resources for stress relief and academic preparation, ensuring they had access to a supportive and engaging study environment.
As part of UTM’s annual Exam Jam, we participated by hosting a bookmark and gratitude card making activity to support students during the exam season. This initiative provided students with resources for stress relief and academic preparation, ensuring they had access to a supportive and engaging study environment.
Zine Submissions Have Opened!
December 2024
We are delighted to announce the launch of our first-ever Giving Voice Zine! This publication will showcase creative works submitted by participants, offering a platform for artistic expression and community dialogue about the transition to university. We encourage all forms of creativity, including writing, visual art, and digital designs.
We are delighted to announce the launch of our first-ever Giving Voice Zine! This publication will showcase creative works submitted by participants, offering a platform for artistic expression and community dialogue about the transition to university. We encourage all forms of creativity, including writing, visual art, and digital designs.
Tea Time
January 2025
We hosted a drop-in tea time party at our lab (DH 4035) where participants could come and meet the Giving Voice Research Team and enjoy some tea and sweet treats!
We hosted a drop-in tea time party at our lab (DH 4035) where participants could come and meet the Giving Voice Research Team and enjoy some tea and sweet treats!
Chung Lab x Studio X x UTMSU: Symbols in Light
January 2025
We collaborated with Studio X and the UTMSU to host a Lunar New Year paper cut workshop! Participants cut intricate designs inspired by symbols of luck, prosperity, and renewal. The final art piece is highlighted on our Instagram page and was available for viewing in the presentation room at the UTMSU’s Student Centre!
We collaborated with Studio X and the UTMSU to host a Lunar New Year paper cut workshop! Participants cut intricate designs inspired by symbols of luck, prosperity, and renewal. The final art piece is highlighted on our Instagram page and was available for viewing in the presentation room at the UTMSU’s Student Centre!
Chung Lab x PAUSE: Black Contributions to Psychology
February 2025
We partnered with PAUSE to host a discussion on the contributions of Black scholars to the field of psychology. The event featured a documentary screening followed by an engaging conversation on the impact and significance of Black Psychology, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives in the discipline.
We partnered with PAUSE to host a discussion on the contributions of Black scholars to the field of psychology. The event featured a documentary screening followed by an engaging conversation on the impact and significance of Black Psychology, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives in the discipline.
Zine Creative Cowork
March 2025
We hosted a creative cowork session for participants to engage in some arts and crafts for the zine! We also created mood boards and collages.
We hosted a creative cowork session for participants to engage in some arts and crafts for the zine! We also created mood boards and collages.
Chung Lab x Studio X x HCC: Webs of Being
March 2025
As part of the HCC’s Let’s Talk UTM event, we collaborated with Studio X on an interactive art installation that visually represented shared experiences, coping mechanisms, and support networks within the UTM community. This initiative highlighted the interconnected nature of mental well-being and community support.
As part of the HCC’s Let’s Talk UTM event, we collaborated with Studio X on an interactive art installation that visually represented shared experiences, coping mechanisms, and support networks within the UTM community. This initiative highlighted the interconnected nature of mental well-being and community support.
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